Veterans and their families are gathering in Jacksonville today for a community event aimed at connecting them with vital services and support.
The American Legion is hosting a Veteran Stand-Down that began at 8:30 a.m. and continues through 2 p.m.
Dozens of organizations are participating, offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of veterans. Resources available include clothing, haircuts and access to therapy animals, along with information about housing, food assistance and other community programs.
Organizers say the goal is to bring multiple services together in one place, making it easier for veterans to access help.
“You have veterans with food insecurities, homelessness coming together like this,” said Michael Foye, commander of VFW Post 9133. “We allow them all to come here and meet at one point, and they can get the information that they need to go out and get what they need.”
The stand-down is designed to promote community connections and help veterans and their families learn more about available local resources.
Veterans planning to attend are asked to bring their official identification